| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 67.59 |
| Liaison | Susan Dorward |
| Submission Date | Aug. 4, 2022 |
Raritan Valley Community College
OP-11: Sustainable Procurement
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 3.00 |
Susan
Dorward Sustainability and Energy Coordinator Facilities and Grounds |
Does the institution have written policies, guidelines, or directives that seek to support sustainable purchasing across multiple commodity categories institution-wide?:
A copy of the policies, guidelines or directives:
The policies, guidelines or directives:
Does the institution employ Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) when evaluating energy- and water-using products and systems?:
Which of the following best describes the institution’s use of LCCA?:
A brief description of the LCCA policy and/or practices:
LCCA is performed prior to requesting approval from Finance to fund the expense. Energy and water savings and associated cost savings, as well as longevity of the product and maintenance costs, are figured into the ROI to justify the purchase.
We use LCCA in more areas, except for calculating NPV (net present value). We don't do that part on new academic offerings.
Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating chemically intensive products and services?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for chemically intensive products and services:
The College uses Green Seal certified cleaning products when possible. This is stated in our RFPs and contracts for housekeeping supplies.
Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating consumable office products?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for consumable office products:
Under Executive Order #11 by Gov. John Corzine, "Each State agency shall print all publications and documents, including those publications and
documents printed under the supervision of the State agency, on recycled paper, unless the State agency cannot procure a sufficient quantity of competitive recycled paper." The College purchases 30% recycled paper.
Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating furniture and furnishings?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for furniture and furnishings:
The College has standardized on buying low-impact replacement flooring and office furnishings. However, this is not published beyond the College's commitment to build to LEED standards (and thus prioritize buying low-impact furniture and furnishings).
The College is committed to building LEED Gold or better, recently upgraded from LEED Silver. This commitment is stated in our MOU with the EPA: "RVCC will build all future buildings to LEED Silver certification." https://www.raritanval.edu/sites/default/files/aa_PDF%20Files/8.x%20General%20Information/8.2.6_Environ-Sustain_mou_rvcc-usaepa.pdf.
The commitment to LEED Gold is published here:
https://www.raritanval.edu/general-information/national-recognition/sustainability
Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating Information technology (IT) and equipment?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for Information Technology (IT) and equipment:
The College buys EPEAT Gold, Silver, and Bronze computer equipment but this is not a formalized policy.
Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating food service providers?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for food service providers:
The 2022 dining services RFP includes the following language: "The vendor will be expected to offer healthy menus which reflect proper nutritional values...The vendor shall be able to make various ethnic meals and suggestions....To the extent possible the vendor is to use only environmentally friendly paper products consistent with the college’s sustainability initiatives....The vendor will make certain all boxes, cartons, containers, etc. are broken down, separated for recycling and flattened to alleviate excess daily trash accumulation. The College has a mandatory recycling program for bottles, cans, paper, and other metal items. Waste food that is not given away to any community help programs will be put aside for a composting machine also in the receiving area."
Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating garments and linens?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for garments and linens:
Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating professional service providers?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for professional service providers:
The College requires that architects be able to design buildings following LEED standards and assist with LEED certification.
Does the institution have published sustainability criteria to be applied when evaluating transportation and fuels?:
A brief description of the published sustainability criteria for transportation and fuels:
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable procurement program or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.